Well here we are in December when at the beginning of spring everything felt so uncertain. Covid 19 stopped us all in our tracks and made us fearful as life as we knew it changed. But as the birds kept tweeting. nature kept moving, sure as anything the seasons kept changing and now we find ourselves upon winter and Christmas.
I hope if anything has helped you through this year it has been slowing down, noticing the small things and getting outside in nature.
Our usual Christmas may not be quite what we expected it might be but from what I've seen on social media, you are all keen to make the best of it and let positivity shine. Whether through decking the halls in grander fashion than before, or showing our nearest and dearest what they mean to us.
More than gifts I think we'd all like the gift of hugging our family and friends this year, as it has put so much into perspective, but its also nice to show we care with thoughtful presents.
As we spend even more time at home for christmas and winter, it seems that embracing the softer and snugglier side of the season is the way to go.
I've found myself lighting candles all the time, dimming the lights, foraging in nature for spruce and berries to decorate the house and embracing hygge, the danish word for getting cosy when the nights draw in.
On that note I've found some lovely gifts that embody the concept of hygge and are perfect for cosy days and nights close to home. I'm sure they would bring cheer to your loves ones and up the luxe factor whilst we hunker down in our houses.
First up slippers, as who doesn't love the feel of a pair of soft slippers on the coldest mornings and nights. There are some amazing options on the high street but also from independent shops These ones from Etsy are just gorgeous and look super soft.
What could be more hygge than candles and my favourite at the moment are The Little Yorkshire Candle Company as they are all hand poured, soy wax (no nasties) and have the most scrumptious scents. Alex is lovely and has a gorgeous little shop in York and actually does a happy dance each candle she sells. Plus she has a real eye for other cosy items and always stocks gorgeous things.
A Cashmere poncho is on my list as someone who favours comfort over style quite a lot since becoming a mum but with gorgeous knits and loungewear, I'm keen to combine both. Teamed with jeggings and uggs, even cosy winter walks are stylish and just as comfortable for lounging around at home.
What could be more 2020 than the rise of Coord loungewear and in the softest snuggliest fabrics and beautiful colours. Gone are the days of wearing your pyjamas to lie around the house when you can wear something that looks equally stylish at the shops and is ever so comfortable to boot. This one from Etsy comes in the softest blush colour. Adore.
I love a cosy pair of walking boots with spending all this time outdoors and they don't come much more stylish, warm and practical than these Emu of Australia boots. They look just as good taking a stroll into town for groceries or a takeout coffee as they do hiking in the forest. Love love love.
I think staying home encourages us to look after our skin and treat it to nourishing masks and a good cleanse, tone and moisturize routine. Being a vegetarian and nearly vegan, having cruelty free, vegan cosmetics is really important to me. Therefore, finding a brand I can support as well as making me feel like I'm at a spa is very important. Neals Yard have been my go to brand for a few years now and I love the way their products feel and smell. On my list this year is a facial skincare collection with miniatures of all of my favourites for the hopeful event that I will get to travel more again next year.
Tea set Staying home is always improved by a lovely ritual of drinking tea, preferably by a hot fire with a book or magazine. There are some lovely tea sets, from minimalist white, to black and modern patterns. No longer do you have to go for chintz to enjoy a tea set. Treat someone to a new tea set and set them up for cosy days at home enjoying the famous english pastime of tea drinking.
Allotment Drinks If you have a gin lover in your life then the marvellous range of combinations they can make will be high on their enjoyment list. The joy can be found in these gorgeous allotment grown mixers with really unique flavours. It's a local Yorkshire brand and a small independent to boot.
Who doesn't love being cosy at home on these long winter nights and so a chunky knit throw seems like the most hygge gift to offer someone you care for. These merino wool throws come in a range of soft muted colours that would work perfectly in any modern country home.
Cosy days and nights at home are made all the more luxurious when we take the time to do the things that we normally don't make time for. Treating ourselves to snuggly sheets on a night has to be a gift of indulgence. This gorgeous hot water bottle from The Pamperhouse certainly looks the part and has the perfect nordic vibe.
A diffuser and oils from SW Botanicals is high on my Christmas list as its the gift that keeps on giving with gorgeous scent flowing through every room. Its safer than candles, lasts longer and has more flexibility for scent options. You can change it with your mood.
For those that have everything they could need and enjoy the finer things in life, the Little Wold Vineyard vine adoption package is a super gift that benefits a local independent vineyard and they get to try superb English wines from the comfort of their home too.
Flo and Co interiors have some gorgeous items for the home and gifts for home lovers to make their spaces more inviting and cosy are perfectly acceptable. These brass lanterns will not only brighten their home but also are the perfect place to burn candles on the long dark afternoons and nights. Cosy, warm lighting is very hygge.
Who doesn't love an indulgent sweet treat when luxuriating on the sofa at home and Tiers of Joy Pattiserie make the most gorgeous gourmet chocolates. They come in lovely packaging and its another local, independent Yorkshire maker so its gifting with a conscience.
So there we have it, lots of lovely hygge inspired gifts for those in lockdown or staying close to home this Christmas.
Wishing you and yours a merry christmas and safe and healthy new year. x
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